Revealed: Everything you need to know about Taulupe Faletau’s replacement

Leicester Tigers back-rower Olly Cracknell has been called into the Wales squad after Taulupe Faletau suffered an injury in Cardiff’s recent URC victory over Edinburgh.

Despite spending six years at the Ospreys and since becoming a Premiership winner with Leicester, Cracknell has never been able to break into the Wales senior squad. But now, at 31 years of age, the powerful back-rower will have the opportunity to show Steve Tandy that he has what it takes to make it at the international level.

Head coach Tandy said: “It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose Toby to injury as he’s a world-class player. But Olly’s been playing really well for Leicester and we’re excited to add him to the squad.”

Olly Cracknell call-up: The key facts

• Cracknell was previously called up to the Wales squad but has yet to make his debut
• Tandy coached the 31-year-old in their earlier years
• Qualifies for Wales through his grandad

Here are three things you need to know about the number eight:

Spotted in South Africa

The back-rower first caught the eye of the Welsh Rugby Union’s North Wales development officer, Rupert Moon, in 2012 while playing as a teenager in South Africa.

Born in Leeds but eligible for Wales through his grandfather, Cracknell had registered as a Welsh exile on the WRU website at the age of 16.

When Moon reached out to his coaches during a tour with Leeds Grammar School, they noted that the youngster needed to bulk up.

With the help of his mentors, Cracknell did just that, adding nearly three stone. Impressed by his dedication, Moon persuaded him to continue his rugby development in North Wales.

Coached by Tandy

In the summer of 2014, Cracknell joined the Ospreys, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

During his time at the Swansea-based club, he developed a strong relationship with then-head coach Steve Tandy, who he credits with sharpening his game and professionalism.

Wales age-grade honours

Cracknell’s decision to commit to Wales paid off when he represented the nation at U20 level in 2014, making his debut against Scotland that March.

Three years later, he earned a senior call-up from Rob Howley, although a full cap ultimately eluded him during that campaign.

Tandy’s number eight options

Despite Tandy’s fondness for Cracknell, his inclusion in the Test squad is far from guaranteed. The Wales head coach still has British and Irish Lions star Jac Morgan, experienced Dragons back-rower Aaron Wainwright, and the promising young player Morgan Morse to choose from to fill Faletau’s sizeable gap.

Jac Morgan is generally preferred at open side flanker, however, leaving the back of the scrum open for Wainwright to take his place. Cracknell will likely take a bench spot alongside the versatile youngster Morgan Morse, who is also chasing his first cap.

Morse has shown great promise at the junior level, captaining the under-18s Wales squad before making his under-20s debut aged just 17. A regular for the Ospreys, Morse will be hoping to make his mark on the Wales senior team this Autumn.

READ MORE: Loose Pass: ‘Nutsgate’ saga unlikely to rest soon and with good reason as it is ‘simply not right’